As the leading UK Food and Drink Marketing Agency, we make it our business to keep up to date with the latest trends and insight. At Lumina Intelligence’s latest Food Strategy Forum, we learnt about the top new restaurants to add to your must-try list, and the trends that have been emerging across menus.

 CONCEPTS TO WATCH

Hinterland, Manchester

The sober-curious movement is growing, and one space that’s tapping into the trend is Hinterland, a café and booze-free bar in the northern quarter of Manchester.

Designed to cultivate community connections, Hinterland is now the go-to space for poetry readings, book clubs, social meetups and more. Helping diners to engage in conversation without the confidence boost of alcohol, there are even cue cards to help forge connections over the table.

Doña, London

Central-American cuisine has been making waves in the UK in the last few years, and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

Doña is the latest in a series of new openings, with an extensive Mezcal offering. Described as a “passion project born of friendship, and a shared love for food, quality Mezcal, community living and great music”, Doña’s menu is inspired by Honduran food. Sharing options include black bean dough steamed in banana leaves, Arepas and Cassava Fries (a type of chip made from Yuca, a starchy root).

If this piques your interest, we think you’ll also love Aguamiel, a Mexican “Churreria”. With spiced hot chocolate, speciality coffee and of course, Churros – this spot is sure to quench your cultural thirst.

Native, Netherwood Estate

Two trends coming through recently are sustainable menu offerings and local sourcing.

And a foodservice operation that’s nailed this is Native. Offering fine dining in a new form, with hyper seasonal, modern British cuisine, Native gives diners a unique experience – with a menu that makes the most of foraging and preserving. This farm-to-table restaurant even offers rooms for the ultimate retreat from modern life.

Tollington’s, London

Old-school chippy turned hip fish bar, Tollington’s in Finsbury Park is redefining this classic English supper. With a simple, but high-quality menu inspired by Spanish hotspots, enjoy Basque dining with a hint of retro immersed in nostalgia.

Sandwich Sandwich, London (& Bristol)

Bristol’s hottest sandwich shop has expanded into the capital. Innovative flavours, theatrical in-store displays and visually impressive sandwiches combine for an all-round great experience.

One lucky bean – resident foodie Emma – has already visited, check out the below for the most mouth-watering sandwich we’ve ever seen.

This feast for the eyes was the Chicken Kiev sandwich, and in Emma’s words “was the best sandwich I’ve ever had, and it’s great value!”

Sandbox VR, Birmingham

We’ve been reporting that experiential dining is on the rise – especially with younger demographics. Tapping into this trend is Sandbox VR. This tech-led business has recently partnered with streaming giant Netflix to offer a Squid Game-themed experience. With body trackers and haptic suits, you’ll be fully immersed into virtual reality at this incredible location.

Need further convincing? Sandbox VR has the UK’S first fully-robotic bartender for a cocktail you’re sure to remember.

MENU TRENDS

Menus and food trends are constantly changing. We know how hard it can be to keep in the loop with what’s hot, and what’s not, so read for a summary of what chefs are adding onto their menus this autumn!

Infused Dough

Elevate the classic pizza with a twist – infused dough. Zia Lucia is aiming to capture the essence of Aperitivo hour with its new Aperol-infused dough. The London-chain is no stranger to funky flavour combinations, having previously offered charcoal and cricket options!

Alternative Sandwiches

The humble two slices of bread are out, and gourmet offerings are in!

Operators to watch in this field? Ace Pizza and Max’s Sandwich Shop. Ace Pizza has been mastering the pizza sandwich since 2019, but it’s not just foodservice taking part in this trend. TikTok has seen users recreate their own rolled pizzas, garnering over 1 million views.

And for Instagram-worthy sarnies – look to Max’s Sandwich.

Posh Hash Browns

Nostalgia has been a key trend in the food industry this year, which is no surprise. When times are tough (international wars, the cost of living crisis and more), food that brings memories of comfort is what people to turn to. But Hash Hut and Dorian in Notting Hill are reinventing the British breakfast classic with a twist. Now on menus, you’ll find crab-topped hash browns, or truffle parmesan offerings for a fine dining experience.

Tomato Ice Toast

TikTok and a Gen-Z audience are responsible for this unique foodie trend.  Shaved tomatoes, commonly paired with burrata on toast is the perfect combination of hot and cold, creamy and crunchy.

Great for a snack, or an interesting brunch – why not give this a go?

Tiramisu Latte

Indulgence is served. Social media has been awash with decadent tiramisu offerings from brownies to cookies. Fred’s Bakery in London, known for its high-quality offerings has taken this trend a step further with a delicious stand-out menu offering.

Complete with ladyfingers, it’s a dessert and drink all in one.

Non-Alcoholic RTDs

As the sober-curious movement grows, there’s a need to offer high-quality ready-to-drink beverages that hit the spot as far as both taste and value. The top mission for brands – make moderation desirable and effortless.

From kombucha to spritzes, low and no ranges are here to stay.

For more insight, make sure to follow us on socials @jellybeanagency, or sign up to our Trend Watch to see what’s hot in the food and drink world each month!